Rhode Island § 31-3-32 - Registration of Vehicles
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-32 — Registration of Vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-3-32. Registration of Vehicles
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-32
§ 31-3-32. Expiration of registration.
Every vehicle registration under chapters 3 — 9 of this title and every registration card and registration plate issued under this chapter shall expire at midnight on the thirty-first (31st) day of March of each year, except that the director of the department of revenue, division of motor vehicles shall implement a staggered registration system and a staggered distribution system for fully reflective plates required to be on all vehicles pursuant to § 31-3-10. Implementation of the staggered registration system and distribution system shall be by rules and regulations promulgated by the director of revenue, division of motor vehicles. Every registration card and registration plate issued to apportioned vehicles shall expire on the thirty-first (31st) day of May of each year. A fee for the initial issuance of fully reflective plates and each reissuance thereafter shall be charged in accordance with § 31-6-1(a). However, the requirements for the reissue of fully reflective plates shall apply only to those standard plates described in § 31-3-11 and not to plates authorized by any other section of the general or public laws. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-32; P.L. 1979, ch. 195, § 1;
P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art.
30, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 56; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103; P.L. 2002, ch. 321,
§ 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-3-32
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-32 cover?
Section 31-3-32 ("Registration of Vehicles") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 31-3-32?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-32" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 31-3-32 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.